Adventures in Complexity. For organisations near the edge of chaos. [Paperback]

Lesley Kuhn (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 29, 2009

In the current unpredictable climate many organisations may consider themselves 'near the edge of chaos'. Yet most will not realise that this is where the greatest potential for success lies. In this engaging and thought-provoking book, Lesley Kuhn provides an excellent foundation from which to apply complexity concepts and metaphors to organisations. She reveals why the edge of chaos is an inspiration; why the butterfly effect is significant; why we should look for patterns in the content of informal and formal conversations; what are the attractors that motivate us in our work, and much more. Through practical examples and analysis of seven organisations, from a not-for-profit to a large pharmaceutical company, we are taken on an adventure in the use of this sophisticated way of thinking, and shown how to evaluate what influences the health of an organisation and the emergence of future sustainable practice. Complexity offers a fresh lens through which to view the 'life' of organisations, described by Kuhn as 'collectives of human activity'. We are given a new perspective on organisational processes and practices, a way to change how we engage at both a local and global level. This is vital if we are not to repeat the mistakes that have led to the present, potentially catastrophic, situation.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Lesley Kuhn is Senior Lecturer in the College of Business at the University of Western Sydney, Australia. For 14 years prior to this she worked at the Social Ecology Centre, an innovative postgraduate oriented transdisciplinary Centre that brought an integral perspective on the self, nature and society and has been active in bringing complexity habits of thought to philosophical and social inquiry and in developing complexity informed ethnographic research approaches. She is author of more than 40 book chapters and published papers and has led more than 30 research projects as well as being the Guest Editor for special double issue of the prestigious Journal, World Futures: The Journal of General Evolution, that was dedicated to showcasing the work of UWS academics in bringing complexity informed approaches to social inquiry. She is a master of transdisciplinary thinking, with degrees in music, education and environmental science and a doctorate in philosophy. Her hopes are for a tolerant, democratic and egalitarian society where people are aware of how they are structured and categorised by social and cultural dictates, ideologies and the declarations of those who think they have a monopoly on what is right and should be known. She is passionate about protecting and promoting flexibility and freedom of mind and soul along with a capacity for trust, wonder and hope.

Product Details

• Paperback: 140 pages
• Publisher: Triarchy Press Ltd (May 29, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0956263100
• ISBN-13: 978-0956263100
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,696,217 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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